Automatic machine feed mechanism



L. DEAN AUTGMATIC MACHWE'FEED MECfHANsM Filed June 1957 III vl, V

lNVENTOR "F'eb. 21, 1939.

.bwa N Q. NN Nm EN ww WW. NW. Q\

fio

Patented Feb. 21, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,147,885 AUTGMATIC MACHINE FEED MECHANISM Daniel L. Dean, Buffalo, N. Y. Application June 17, 1937, Serial No. 148,698

5 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic stock feeding mechanism for use Vin conjunction with revolving or stationary spindles as are used in multiple and single spindle type automatic machines such as screwmachines and lathes.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved stock holding mechanism which will efficiently operate to intermittently feed stock through Va machine of this type and to intermittently release 'and grip the stock without scoring or deforming the latter. Another object of the invention is to provide a stock feeding mechanism of an improved type `that is adapted for use in conjunction with machines of conventional design in common use today, and which may be conveniently adjusted 'by the operator of the machine to various degrees of stock gripping tension, such las may be required in operating at various spindle speeds, and on various sizes of stock and in connection with different lengths of feedout.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved stock holding device adapted for use as a feeding mechanism for automatic machines of the type described, which is conveniently releasable at will by the operator of the machine for adjustment of the stock in the feed device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stock feed mechanism adapted to permit proper relative movement of the stock to assume proper adjusted feed out positions, but to prevent relative movement therebetween as a result of recoil forces.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a stock feeding mechanism stock gripping ngers adapted to automatically compensate for wear therein, whereby the device maintains its `operating effectiveness throughout extended periods of time.

The invention is exemplified in a construction comprising a conventional style of feeder tube provided at its forward end with a tapered feed finger actuating portion and a tubular thrust member telescopically disposed within the feeder tube. The thrust member is provided at its forward end with resilient stock gripping fingers adapted to clamp the stock therebetween when moved rearwardly relative to the feeder tube and between the inclined surfaces thereon. A resilient member mounted between the feeder tube and the feed finger thrust tube normally maintains them in stock gripping relation, but allows for momentary release of the stock at the start of the withdrawal stroke of the feeder tube, thus permitting momentary release and retreat of the feeder tube relative to the stock to a new position of gripping, without scoring the stock.

Adjustment means to vary the tension of the resilient member are provided in a conveniently disposed form so that the gripping tension of 5 the feed ngers on the stock may be adjusted to suit different sizes of stock and different operating conditions without disassembling the device. Means for quickly disengaging the feed fingers from the stock are also provided in a conveniently disposed position` whereby the operator may release the stock from the device to make adjustments of its position therein.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional View of a device incorporating the invention, showing the parts in stock gripping position;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional View through the device illustrated in Fig. l, showing the parts `irrreleased position;

Fig. 3 is a view of the forward end of the device as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. l of another form of `construction incorporating the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, a feeder tube Il] 2- is provided at its rear end with an annular shoulder member I2 and a reinforcing portion I4. The shoulder end of the feeder tube lil is counterbored as at I6 to a diameter larger than the tube bore, thus providing an internal shoulder I8. 30 The forward end of the feeder tube I9 is internally threaded for threaded connection as at 20 with one end of an annular nose piece 22, which is made of special hardened steel or other wear resisting metal. The nose piece 22 is counterbored at its outer end 24 to provide therein an accurately machined conical shaped camming surface 24. p

A tubular feed chuck 30 is arranged in telescopic relation within the forward end of the feeder tube l0 and the nose piece 22, and comprises a generally tubular shaped body portion provided with a series of longitudinal slots 34 spaced radially of the chuck and extending from the forward end thereof to intermediate points 35. There is thus provided a chuck member comprising an uninterrupted body portion 38 and a plurality of forwardly extending feed n- *gers Ml. The feed fingers 4t are formed adjacent their outer ends with tapered outer surfaces 42, which are complementary to the shape of the working surface 24 of the nose piece. The feed chuck 3B is formed with an internal central bore 44 extending from the rearward end through an intermediate portion thereof 'and a similar bore 48 through the forward end, but of a smaller diameter. There is thus provided, interiorly of each of the feed fingers 48, an arcuate stock gripping surface 48, and the feed chuck member 38 is adapted to grip a section of stock 58 between the opposed arcuate surfaces 48 whenever the feed fingers 48 are pressed inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the chuck. The elements of the chuck 30 are so made that the natural resiliency of the material forming the feed fingers 48 tends to urge their forward ends outwardly away from the chuck axis to a position as shown in Figure 2. Movement of the chuck 38 toward a completely enclosed position within tube I8 will, by reason of the co-action of the working surface 24 and the flared end portions 42 of the feed fingers, force the feed fingers inwardly and into a stock gripping position, as shown in Figure 1.

Thus, actuation of the feed chuck member 30 in reverse directions longitudinally of the feeder tube l will cause the feed fingers 48 to alternately grip and release the bar of feed stock 50 disposed within the device. The mechanism for actuating the feed chuck relatively to the feeder tube is shown as comprising a tubular thrust member 54, engaging at its forward end by means of screwthreads 56 the rearward end of the feed chuck 38. At its rearward end, the thrust tube 54 supports a sleeve 59 which is threaded thereon as at 68 for relative longitudinal adjustment. A finger piece 58 in the form of an annularly extending flange is formed on the sleeve 59, thus providing a shoulder 62. A coil spring 6I is arranged between the shoulder I8 and the shoulder 62 and is so dimensioned as to normally urge the shoulder l2 and the finger piece 58 apart. Thus, means are provided for constantly and automatically urging the thrust member 54 toward the rear end of the feed tube l0, and to maintain the feed fingers 48 in clamping relation upon the bar of feed stock 50. The tension of the spring 6I may be conveniently varied by the operator of the device by turning the finger piece 58 to increase or decrease the tension, as the case may require. An opening as at 25 is provided through a wall portion of the feed tube to permit access therethrough to the slot 34 of the feed chuck 30, by some suitable tool such as a screw driver or the like. Thus, when it is desired to vary the tension adjustment of the spring 6l, a screw driver may be inserted through the opening 25 and into engagement with one of the slots 34 as a means of holding the feed chuck 30 against axial rotation when the finger piece 58 is being turned by the operator. Also, springs of different characteristics may be substituted in the place provided for spring 6| if it is necessary to do so to obtain the desired results.

In operation, the device in assembled form is adapted to be fitted into any conventional type of automatic machine spindle, and to receive therethrough a bar of feed stock for presenting the extending end thereof to the tool of the machine. The shoulder member l2 of the device provides means for cooperation with the cam member (not shown) of the machine for transmitting alternating feed out and retreating movementsto the feed tube I8 whereby intermittent feed out movements are imparted to the stock bar 58. Fig. 1 illustrates the device when in stock gripping position. When the machine cam bears against the shoulder l2 to move the feed tube I0 rearwardly or to the left as viewed in the drawing, a momentary inherent adhesion between the stock bar 50 and the finger contacting surfaces 48 retards a corresponding rearward movement of the feed chuck 38, the relative movement between the feeder tube I8 and the thrust tube 54 being taken up by the spring 6I. Thus, the device is moved toward a position as illustrated in Figure 2 wherein the feed fingers 48 release the stock bar 50 by reason of their resiliency. The tension of the spring BI, however, causes the thrust tube 54 and the feed chuck 38 to follow the feed tube I0 in lagging relation to a new stock gripping position, from whence it will be moved forwardly again by the cam of the machine to feed out a new section of stock to the tool of the machine.

Thus, means are provided for an automatic,

clean-cut release of the stock by the feed fingers simultaneously with the beginning of the withdrawal stroke of the feeder tube, whereby the feed stock is not marred by relative longitudinal movement between the feed fingers and the stock while the feed fingers are held in clamping relation thereon.

' The extending finger piece 58 provides means for conveniently releasing the stock from the feed fingers 48, whereby the operator of the machine may merely press the piece 58 forwardly against the action of the spring 6I to a position as shown in Figure 2, thus releasing the stock from the fingers 40. Thus, adjustments of the relation of the bar of stock in the device may be readily made without subjecting the stock to forces which might otherwise mar or otherwise deform the bar and necessitate interruption of the operation of the machine. Obviously, the piece 58 is adapted with equal facility to be actuated in response to movements of a mechanically `operated element of the machine upon which the device may be installed, in lieu of the manual manipulation described hereinbefore, to provide for an automatic total release of the stock at the beginning of each withdrawal stroke of the feed fingers 40.

Fig. 4 illustrates another form of construction of the feed chuck member, wherein the nose member 22 is provided with an internally extending annular shoulder 10 adjacent its rear end, and the feed chuck member 30 is provided adjacent its rear end with an outwardly extending flange member 12 threaded thereon as at 14. A coil spring 15 is thus adapted to be received between the shoulders 18 and 12 and about the chuck 38 and Within the feeder tube I8. This form of the device functions in a manner identical to that of the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with the exception that no tension adjustment means for the spring 15 is provided. However, this construction has the advantage of being completely enclosed, and may be preferred by some operators.

Although only one form of the invention has been shown and described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited but that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from. the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a stock feeding mechanism for an automatic machine, a tubular retaining member responsive to motions of an element of said machine toward withdrawn and feed out positions, a tubular stock carrying member slidable within said retaining member and provided at one of its ends with extending resilient stock gripping nger porproviding a ShOuldel ODDOSed t0 all end Wall 0f tions disposed concentrically within said retainsaid retaining member, a coil spring disposed being member, a coil spring disposed between axitween an end wall of said retaining member and ally opposed shoulder portions of said retaining said shoulder of said adjustment nut. member and said carrying member and nor- 4. Afeed mechanism for an automatic machine mally maintaining said fingers and said retaining comprising an outer tubular body member havmember in predetermined aXial relation and proing an internal conical surface, a gripping element violins a las-sing motion connection between Said disposed within said outer body member and oom- Ietailillg member and Said fingers, and aClJ'llSiiprising a general annular shaped body portion ment means associated with the shoulder portion having separatedA gripping fingers extending exi.. of said carrying member for varying the tension any at one end thereof, Said gripping fingers hey- Within Seid Coil Spring. ing enlarged end portions for contacting said in- 2- In a Sinek feeding mechanism fer an ailieternal conical surfaces of said outer body, an matie machine, a tubular retaining member re* internal flange extending inwardly from the inner sponsive to motions of an element of said machine Wadi of Seid outer body member to provide e, lOWaifi Withdrawn and feed out Positions and shoulder and a concentric bearing for mounting having a cam portion thereon, stock gripping and guiding said gripping element in spaced relangers connected to a tubular stock carrying tion With respect to Said outer body member, e, member slid-ably mounted Within Said retaining second iiange extending radially outwardly from member and adapted to be urged inwardly toward said gripping element in Spgoed relation With restock gripping positions by said cam portion upon Speot to Said iirst mentioned nenge and proyid relative longitudinal movement of said retaining ing a Shoulder and a bearing element for posimember and said stock carrying member and armorning and guiding said gripping element conranged concentrically within said retaining memoentrioodiy Within said outer body member, a ooi] ber, resilient means disposed between opposed spring disposed about Said gripping element and shoulder portions formed on said retaining mem- Witnin Said outer body member and having its ber and Said Carrying member fer urging the opposite ends abutting the shoulders of said i'lrst aforesaid members longitudinally relative to one and Said Seoond mentioned flanges for normally another to normally maintain said lingers in stock urging seid outer body member and Said gripping gripping Positions, said resilient means providing element in one direction of relative axial movea lagging motion connection between said retainment for resiiientiy maintaining Said gripping ing member and said fingers, and adjustment iinger in stook gripping position means associated with one of said shoulder por- 5. In a Steek leeding meongnisrn for ein autotions for Varying the tension Said l'ematic machine aI tubular retaining member' re- Silien Connecting means, and a manually Oper' sponsiV-e to motions of an element of said machine able Control element fr Said. adjustment means toward Withdrawn and feed out positions and beextending beyond said retaining member for coning provided Witn n egmming portion, a Second Venieni manipulation by the Operator 0f the ma tubular member sliolably mounted Within the first chine for adjusting the tension within said rementioned tubular retaining member and pro- Siiieni Connecting meansvided at one of its ends with axially extending 3- In a Steek feeding mecl'lanlsjm for an auto' stock gripping fingers arranged concentrically matie machine a tubular retaining member re within said retaining member and adapted to SbOnSlVe t0 motions 0f an element 0f Sad ma" bear against said cam portion and to be actuated chine toward withdrawn and feed out positions, inwardly thereby toward stock gripping positions, Steek gripping lingers mounted upon a Second a manual adjustment nut mounted in screwtubular member arranged cobcentricaily Within threaded relation thereon adjacent the other end Said retaining member in eilen manner that Said of said second mentioned tubular member, a coil Steek gripping fingers bear against an inner per" spring having one of its ends bearing against said tion 0f Said retaining member and- Said Second adjustment nut and the other of its ends bearing tubular member being of lesser diameter and aJgetinst an end Wall of Said retaining member.

spaced from the inner Wall of said retaining mem- Said retaining member being preformed with on ber, an adjustment nut arall'lged upon Said SCCOl'ld Opening through a Wal] portion thereof to: permit tubular member l'l SCIeWthIeaded relation thereaccess to the interior of the mechanism by means 0n and COIIIDliSng a tubular bOdy DOTiOn Dal of a tool for holding said second mentioned tubutially disposed Within the Space between Said relar member against axial rotation when said adtaining member and said second tubular member justment nut is rotated thereon during adjustand comprising a positioning or bearing element ments of the tension of said spring. therebetween and an outwardly extending flange DANIEL L. DEAN. 

